"Creating threads with the sole purpose of communicating with another member (calling out) is discouraged, and the thread in question may be locked, depending on the content and context of the thread. Calling out a user maliciously will automatically earn a lock and may include a warning of 5% to 15%, depending on the severity."

I've noticed that recently a lot of threads aimed at other members by name have not been banned. A couple of months ago when I joined it seemed the second someone put another member's name in a thread title it would be locked, whereas now despite the context they're being left open. Has this rule become null and void? I know most of the ones as of late there hasn't been any evident butthurt is this why they're not being locked? Just want some clarity to this rule thanks!

it's really only enforced when someone's making a thread just to be a dick to someone

there's honestly wrong with making a thread called "attn: meta" just to ask that person a question in an open-letter form
in fact, i think i'll do just that right now

That makes sense but I've seen a few and have thought to myself "why isn't this locked yet?", but I don't do anything about it 'cause I assume it's none of my business since the thread isn't directed at me. Hence why I made this thread to see what others thought about it. 

I'm not entirely sure what's unclear about this rule.

In general, threads calling out another member are discouraged. Discouraged, but nothing more. Depending on the content and context of the thread, a mod will usually leave it open. However, if the thread is malicious in nature, it will always result in a lock and a potential warning. A couple of months ago we still prohibited all threads "calling out" other users, even if they were not malicious. That really wasn't a good solution, however, because even genuine threads asking questions or simply joking would be locked.

"Attention person X..." = fine.
"Person X, what do you think of...?" = fine.
Non-malicious joke about person X = fine.

"Person X you're a retarded asshole." = not fine.

All depends on the context. If you feel like a thread is malicious yet hasn't been locked, you should report it. If you feel like a thread is locked for an unfair reason, you should PM a mod and mention it.

Oh okay I had a feeling there was a rule update about it in the short time I've been here. Thanks Flee!

stop

Oh shut the hell up

The reality is that it'll depend on the user and the general alignment of celestial relationships in the M83 galaxy